Auxiliary lock assemblage

ABSTRACT

To prevent unauthorized access to the steering-ignition system lock in the steering column of a motor vehicle, or the like, a lockable, sectional enclosure is provided to enclose the steering-ignition system lock. Connected to the sections of the enclosure to permit relative opening and closing movements of the latter in a rectilineal path is the shackle of a padlock which may be locked or released to respectively hold the sections in their closed protecting condition, wherein access to the steering-ignition lock is precluded, or in their open, separated position for authorized key access to said steering-ignition lock or complete removal of the auxiliary lock assemblage therefrom.

nits States atent Foote et all.

[54] AUXILIARY LOCK ASSELAGE [72] Inventors: Daniel J. Foote, Wauwatosa; Samuel M.

211 App]. No.: 64,691

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 338,842 3/1936 Italy ..70/425 Primary Examiner-Robert L. Wolfe Attorney-Curtis B. Morsell, Sr.

[57] ABSTRACT To prevent unauthorized access to the steering-ignition system lock in the steering column of a motor vehicle, or the like, a lockable, sectional enclosure is provided to enclose the steering-ignition system lock. Connected to the sections of the enclosure to permit relative opening and closing movements of the latter in a rectilineal path is the shackle of a padlock which may be locked or released to respectively hold the sections in their closed protecting condition, wherein access to the steering-ignition lock is precluded, or in their open, separated position for authorized key access to said steering-ignition lock or complete removal of the auxiliary lock assemblage therefrom,

10 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PAIENIEUJMIBW: 3.635.051

SHEET 1 0F 3 INVENTOR DANIEL J. FOOTE & SAMUEL IV]. SOREF Manama, 4f.

ATTORNEY PATENTEB 4w 8 mg SHEET 2 OF 3 INVENTOR DANIEL J. FOOTE & BY SAMUEL I\/1.SOREF ATTORNEY PATENTEDJANWBZE $635,057

SHEEI30F3 INVENTOR DANIEL J. FOOTE 2, BY SAMUEL IV! SQREF Mammal, J1.

ATTORNEY AUXILIARY LOCK ASSEMBLAGE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION tamperer. To guard against this undesirable contingency, the

auxiliary lock of the present invention provides a pair of complementary enclosure-forming sections carried by the shackle of a padlock in a manner to permit relative opening and closing movements of said sections in a rectilineal path when the padlock is unlocked. The sections are designed so as to engagingly enclose the key slot boss of the steering-ignition lock, when the padlock shackle is retracted into the padlock body and locked, and the sections then not only make nonremovalock, but also with the customary wings thereon whereby access to and consequent unauthorized manipulation of the covered steering-ignition lock is prevented. However, the owner or authorized operator of the vehicle with the proper key may release the padlock shackle, open the enclosureforming sections and expose the post-mounted motor vehicle lock and operate it with the proper key. The auxiliary lock assemblage, which is portable, may, when it is released, be bodily removed from the vehicle lock and be stored in the vehicle glove compartment, or elsewhere. The auxiliary lock of the present invention may also be adapted for mounting on and protection of other protruding devices such as doorknobs which incorporate key-receiving locks, and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A general object of the invention is to provide a lockable protective enclosure which is auxiliary to and mounted on the post-mounted steering-ignition system lock of a motor vehicle to prevent unauthorized access to and operation of the latter.

A further object of the invention is to provide an auxiliary motor vehicle lock for a steering-ignition system lock which has a sectional enclosure associated with a padlock in such a manner that the padlock will swing in an are relative to the sectional enclosure if it is subjected to blows or force such as might be used on the assemblage by a tarnperer seeking to damage the padlock or to effect its release.

A further object of the invention is to provide an auxiliary enclosure and lock assemblage for a post-mounted steering-ignition lock of a motor vehicle which is portable and which can be easily applied to or removed from said post-mounted lock and which, when released, permits authorized access to the lock in the steering post for manipulation of its switch to start the vehicle motor and release the restraint on the steering mechanism.

Still further objects of the invention are to provide an auxiliary motor vehicle lock in the form of a sectional enclosure and associated padlock whose shackle controls opening and closing movements of the sectional enclosure, the auxiliary lock assemblage being simple in design and construction, easy to manipulate and apply to or remove from a post-mounted steering-ignition lock, which is strong and durable and rela tively inexpensive, and which is otherwise well adapted for the purposes set forth.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART Prior art patents known to applicant relating to auxiliary locks for post-mounted locks include the US. patents to Reed US. Pat. No. 1,244,893; Hershey US. Pat. No. 1,417,603; and Credle U.S. Pat. No. 1,530,814, as well as the copending application of Soref and Foote, Ser. No. 809,158. The structures in all of these disclosures lack the concept of a protective ble engagement with the boss portion of the motor vehicle sectional enclosure wherein the sections move in a rectilineal path from open to closed position and vice versa under the direction of the shackle of a padlock which controllably carries the enclosure sections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings wherein the same reference characters indicate the same or similar parts in all of the views:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary view of the steering post of a motor vehicle showing a steering-ignition system lock incorporated therein of a type used by the majority of motor car manufacturers in their current models, said view also showing in front elevation a form of auxiliary lock assemblage adaptable thereto and in its closed, protecting position;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing in front and side perspective the post-mounted steering-ignition system lock of FIG. 1 with the auxiliary lock assemblage in its open condition and removed from the post-mounted lock;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the assemblage of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary rear view of the auxiliary lock assemblage of FIG. I in its open condition and with parts broken away and in section;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 1 only with the padlock swung through an arc of there also being a part broken away and in section;

FIG. 7 is a horizontal sectional view taken approximately along line 7-7 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view showing in perspective another fonn of post-mounted steering-ignition system lock and a modified form of auxiliary lock assemblage applicable thereto, the latter being in detached, open condition; and

FIG. 9 is a top view of the post-mounted steering-ignition system lock of FIG. 8 with said modified form of auxiliary lock assemblage applied thereto and in its closed, secured condition.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Although not limited thereto, the improved auxiliary lock assemblage finds particular utility in connection with a steering-ignition system lock incorporated in the steering post or column 15 of a motor vehicle. The several forms of auxiliary lock assemblages herein disclosed will adequately, protectively serve all of the steering-ignition locks found in the current models of automobiles produced by all of the major car manufacturers. Also, the improved auxiliary lock assemblage of the present invention could be applied to advantage to door knobs which incorporate key-actuated locks and like protuberances or bosses.

In the form of the invention shown in FIGS. I-7 inclusive of the drawings the post-mounted steering-ignition lock, generally indicated by the numeral 16, is of a type common to the cars of a number of major manufacturers and is characterized by an exposed boss 17 of circular contour projecting outwardly of a surface of the motor vehicle steering post 15 and formed with an externally accessible key slot 18 which, when a proper key is inserted therein releases internal lock mechanism so that when the boss 17 and parts extending inwardly therefrom (not shown) are manually turned by outwardly projecting wings l9 integral. with opposite peripheral portions of the boss, the steering mechanism (previously locked) will be released for normal operation, and the ignition-starter system will be activated to permit normal operation of the motor vehicle. As will appear from FIGS. I-7 the post-mounted steering ignition lock 16 is characterized by the wings 19, (not necessarily the same in size and shape), being spaced apart and both projecting substantially beyond the periphery of the boss 17. As will hereinafter appear the auxiliary lock of FIGS. 1-7 inclusive includes a two-part enclosure for the boss 17 and its outwardly projecting wings 19, said enclosure including a pair of similar, complementary sections 20 shaped to confiningly engage under the protruding wings 19, of the boss 17, and covering the key slot 18 when closed.

As will best appear from FIG. I the complementary sections 20 which form the enclosure for the steering-ignition lock 16 when in closed condition form a hollow geometric figure of generally ellipsoidal shape with boxlike end extensions 21 which, on their inner sides have inwardly projecting legs 22 closed at their free extremities by intumed walls of flanges 23 (see FIGS and 7). A longitudinal opening 24 in the rear of the enclosure provides entrance to the hollow interior thereof, the latter being interrupted by intermediately positioned protuberances 25. The complementary sections forming the enclosure are joined for yielding movement in a rectilineal path by pins 26 against which confined coiled springs 27 react whereby the sections 20 are normally yieldingly held in their spread or open position, as in FIGS 2 and 5, unless locked, as will hereinafter appear. Projecting outwardly from the front face of the midportions of both sections 20 are semicomplementary sheaves 28 which nonremovably receive in their grooved peripheral portions the closed end portions of an elongated padlock shackle 29.

The auxiliary lock assemblage also includes a standard padlock indicated generally by the numeral 30 having a lock mechanism containing body 31 into an end of which the inner ends of the legs of the shackle 29 nonremovably extend, but the engagement is such that there may be limited relative sliding movement of the padlock body on the inner ends of the shackle legs. The end of the padlock body entered by the shackle legs rigidly carries an outwardly projecting guide block 32 whose grooved sides receive the legs of the shackle 29. The outer end of said block 32 is curved and formed, as at 33, to accommodate the lower grooved peripheral portion of the lower sheave section 28. Although the padlock 30 illustrated in the drawings is of the type to be actuated by a key 34, it may, within the contemplation of the invention, be a permutation padlock.

In its normal position and as applied to the steering-ignition lock 16 the auxiliary lock assemblage has its shackle and padlock body depending at right angles to the longitudinal plane of the enclosure formed by the complementary sections 20 to resemble a T." However, means are provided to permit swinging movement of the entire padlock 30 through an angle of 90 or more, as shown in FIG. 6. This is of value should a thief or tamperer attempt to release or break the assemblage by exerting force or blows against the padlock. In this event such force will remove the outer end portion of a spring-urged plunger 35 from a recess 36 in the bottom of the lower sheave section 28, permitting the padlock to counteract force or blows thereagainst by swinging to the full line position of FIG. 6 or to any other advanced circular position with the yieldable plunger 35 then being received by an additional recess 36 in the other sheave section 28 or the plunger may frictionally bear against a surface portion of a sheave section within its groove. Obviously the padlock may be manually returned to its normal position,

The auxiliary lock assemblage shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is generally the same as that just described except that its enclosure-forming sections 20' are modified in shape to accommodate the shape and disposition of wings 37 and 38 projecting from the boss 17 of the type of post-carried steering-ignition lock 16' adopted by one of the major automobile manufacturers. In this form of steering-ignition lock one wing 38 projects substantially beyond the periphery of the lock boss 17' while the diametrically opposed wing 37 is entirely within the boss outline. Said wings are joined by a web 39 extending along a margin of the key slot 18 which is centrally located in the boss 17. The complementary sections 20' of the enclosure of the auxiliary lock assemblage are formed at one set of ends with extensions 21' whose extended leg portions carry intumed flanges 23' with the result that when the modified form of enclosure is applied to the modified steering-ignition lock 16 with the enclosure sections 20' brought together and locked, the lowermost extension 21 will enclose the wing 38 with its flange 23' underlying the inner edge of said wing, it being noted that only the extension 21' on the lower section 20' is hollow and its hollow interior communicates with an open longitudinal groove 24' in said section 20' to provide for entrance thereinto. The top section 20 is solid, as is the end extension 21. However, projecting inwardly from an intermediate under surface portion of the solid top section 20 at a right angle to the plane of the longitudinal axis of said section, is a tongue 40 of a size and shape to snugly lodge within the key slot 18 when the auxiliary lock assemblage is applied to the lock 16 to prevent displacement of the composite enclo sure 2020 from the lock boss 17' and its wings. The longitudinal groove 24 is open at its end opposite the boxlike extension 2I in the lower section 20' and thus accommodates the wing 37 on the boss 17'.

The semisheaves 28 projecting forwardly from intermediate front face portions of the enclosure sections 20' engage the closed outer end of the padlock shackle 29 and in all other respects the auxiliary lock assemblage is similar in construction, application and operation to that of the principal form of the invention.

When the padlock 30 is unlocked to release the shackle 29 the spring-loaded pins 26 will force the enclosure sections 20 or 20' apart with the sheave sections 28 separating and being thus accommodated by the then enlarged opening within the enclosed end of the projected shackle 29 outwardly of the end 33 of the guide block 32, as is shown in FIG. 2. This is the condition in which the auxiliary lock assemblage may be applied to the steering-ignition lock or removed therefrom. When removed the compact unitary auxiliary lock assemblage may be stored in the glove compartment of the motor vehicle, or elsewhere. Also, with the auxiliary lock assemblage removed the rightful operator of the motor vehicle, having the proper key, can insert the same into the slot 18 of the post-carried lock 16 or 16' and the proper manipulation may then be made to release the steering mechanism and activate the ignition system including the starter.

When the auxiliary lock assemblage is applied to the postmounted lock for protective purposes the enclosure 20-20 (or 20-20) is first mounted over the boss 17 or 17' and its wings in open condition. Then the enclosure sections are brought together and the shackle of the padlock is retracted somewhat into the padlock body to produce the arrangement shown in FIGS. 14. When the auxiliary lock assemblage is thus locked and the key removed no tamperer or unauthorized person can remove the auxiliary lock assemblage from the lock 16 or 16' and application of a key or tool to the latter by an unauthorized person is precluded. The enclosure cannot be dislodged from its lock boss unless the padlock shackle is released and the sections are then opened. With the padlock 30 being permanently joined to the enclosure sections 20 or 20' by the projectile, retractile shackle 29 the auxiliary lock assemblage is unitary and compact. The auxiliary lock assemblage being locked to the steering-ignition lock boss by a separate lock (the padlock) prevents unauthorized access to the post-mounted steering-ignition lock by a tamperer. However, the owner or authorized operator of the vehicle, by releasing the padlock shackle, may open the sections 20 or 20' and disengage the auxiliary assemblage from the steering-ignition lock to expose its key slot and wings and thus permit the proper insertion of a key.

The improved auxiliary lock assemblage besides being unitary, compact and portable, is simple in construction and operation, and is well adapted for the intended purposes.

What is claimed is:

1. The combination with a boss having an accessible keyreceiving lock therein, of an auxiliary lock assemblage applied thereto, comprising: a padlock body with shackle-locking mechanism operatively housed therewithin; an elongated U- shaped shackle projecting outwardly from the padlock body, the padlock body and shackle being relatively reciprocal when the locking mechanism is released, a guide block fixedly carried by the padlock body and confined between the legs of the shackle and of less length than the latter to provide a variableheight opening between the outer end of the block and the closed end of the shackle; a pair of complementary enclosure sections joined for relative opening and closing movements in a rectilineal path to nonremovably engage portions of the boss and cover the lock therein when said sections are closed; and a complementary sheave section carried by a face portion of each enclosure section and confined within the opening at the closed end of the shackle to movably join the shackle to both of the enclosure sections.

2. The combination recited in claim 1 wherein the sides of the guide block are grooved to slidably receive the legs of the shackle.

3. The combination recited in claim 1 wherein the longitudinal axis of the padlock is normally at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the enclosure sections and the padlock may be turned circularly on the sheave sections when the enclosure sections are closed.

4. In combination, an exposed motor vehicle lock boss having a key slot therein and wings; a padlock including a lock mechanism containing body and a U-shaped shackle with a closed outer end, said shackle being projectile and retractile relative to the body when the lock mechanism is released; a bisectional protective enclosure applied to the boss in covering relation to the key slot and wings; and means connecting the shackle to the sections of the protective enclosure in a manner to permit an opening movement of the enclosure sections when the shackle is projected relative to the padlock body and to close the enclosure sections and to so hold them when the shackle is retracted.

S. The combination recited in claim 4 wherein the lock boss is a portion of a steering post-mounted steering-ignition system lock.

6. The combination recited in claim 4 with means connecting the sections of the protective enclosure to guide the same in their opening and closing movements in rectilineal paths parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shackle.

7. The combination recited in claim 6 wherein said movement-guiding means are spring-urged pins.

8. The combination recited in claim 4 wherein the padlock body fixed carries a guide block confined within and slidably engaging the legs of the shackle.

9. The combination recited in claim 4 wherein the bisectional protective enclosure includes an enlarged circular portion formed with shackle-encompassed sheave sections and a boxlike end extension clampingly receiving a boss wing.

10. A portable, unitary, auxiliary lock for removable protective application to an exposed portion of a post-mounted steering-ignition system lock of a motor vehicle, comprising: a bisectional enclosure of generally ellipsoidal shape with a boxlike end extension, said enclosure being open on its underside and closed on its outer side; resilient means joining the sections of the enclosure for opening and closing movements in a rectilineal path at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the enclosure; a padlock including a projectile and retractile shackle having a closed outer end; and means connecting the outer end of the shackle to the sections of the enclosure in a manner permitting relative movements of the enclosure sections when the shackle is moved. 

1. The combination with a boss having an accessible keyreceiving lock therein, of an auxiliary lock assemblage applied thereto, comprising: a padlock body with shackle-locking mechanism operatively housed therewithin; an elongated U-shaped shackle projecting outwardly from the padlock body, the padlock body and shackle being relatively reciprocal when the locking mechanism is released, a guide block fixedly carried by the padlock body and confined between the legs of the shackle and of less length than the latter to provide a variable-height opening between the outer end of the block and the closed end of the shackle; a pair of complementary enclosure sections joined for relative opening and closing movements in a rectilineal path to nonremovably engage portions of the boss and cover the lock therein when said sections are closed; and a complementary sheave section carried by a face portion of each enclosure section and confined within the opening at the closed end of the shackle to movably join the shackle to both of the enclosure sections.
 2. The combination recited in claim 1 wherein the sides of the guide block are grooved to slidably receive the legs of the shackle.
 3. The combination recited in claim 1 wherein the longitudinal axis of the padlock is normally at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the enclosure sections and the padlock may be turned circularly on the sheave sections when the enclosure sections are closed.
 4. In combination, an exposed motor vehicle lock boss having a key slot therein and wings; a padlock including a lock mechanism containing body and a U-shaped shackle with a closed outer end, said shackle being projectile and retractile relative to the body when the lock mechanism is released; a bisectional protective enclosure applied to the boss in covering relation to the key slot and wings; and means connecting the shackle to the sections of the protective enclosure in a manner to permit an opening movement of the enclosure sections when the shackle is projected relative to the padlock body and to close the enclosure sections and to so hold them when the shackle is retracted.
 5. The combination recited in claim 4 wherein the lock boss is a portion of a steering post-mounted steering-ignition system lock.
 6. The combination recited in claim 4 with means connecting the sections of the protective enclosure to guide the same in their opening and closing movements in rectilineal paths parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shackle.
 7. The combination recited in claim 6 wherein said movement-guiding means are spring-urged pins.
 8. The combination recited in claim 4 wherein the padlock body fixed carries a guide block confined within and slidably engaging the legs of the shackle.
 9. The combination recited in claim 4 wherein the bisectional protective enclosure includes an enlarged circular portion formed with shackle-encompassed sheave sections and a boxlike end extension clampingly receiving a boss wing.
 10. A portable, unitary, auxiliary lock for removable protective application to an exposed portion of a post-mounted steering-ignition system lock of a motor vehicle, comprising: a bisectional enclosure of generally ellipsoidal shape with a boxlike end extension, said enclosure being open on its underside and closed on its outer side; resilient means joining the sections of the enclosure for opening and closing movements in a rectilineal path at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the enclosure; a padlock including a projectile and retractile shackle having a closed outer end; and means connecting the outer end of the shackle to the sections of the enclosure in a manner permitting relative movements of the enclosure sections when the shackle is moved. 